I expect we did last time, but it isn't easy for a number of reasons:
Strikers are a prime commodity, especially ones that can operate at this level or higher, so there are relatively few of them available, of the ones that are available even less of those will be available for no fee.
and out of those we aren't the only club who will be interested, there are plenty of other clubs who might be able to offer more money, or have a more realistic chance of promotion.